Pres. Ali, Opposition Leader agree on need for healing Guyana’s racial wounds but…

Aug 28, 2022 News

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The Social Edge

By Kiana Wilburg

Kaieteur News – President, Dr. Irfaan Ali since assuming office in August 2020, has championed the need for healing racial tensions in Guyana. His efforts have been brandished by a “One Guyana” slogan which seeks to articulate his intention for every man, woman, and child to live in an environment that is free from the anguish of racial discrimination. The Head-of-State even announced earlier this year, his plans to establish a One Guyana Commission led by Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillips.

The work of the Commission he had said, would be countrywide, and it would listen to the free expressions of all voices, concerning ways in which every Guyanese can honour their ancestral heritage while giving the highest regard to our blended Guyanese civilisation.

Among the matters which it would address include education concerning the nation’s history and religions, and how to ensure equal opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, along with the institutional strengthening of the existing Ethnic Relations Commission to make it more effective.

Though commendable, local and regional stakeholders believe President Ali’s social cohesion drive must include meaningful engagements with the political opposition which represents a significant portion of the voting populace. Some observers hold the view however that the Opposition is not keen on working with Ali to realise his efforts at healing Guyana. In fact, some are of the view that the Opposition’s recent declaration of an emerging apartheid state is hurtful to conversations/efforts that are needed to take the country forward.

Speaking with The Waterfalls recently, President Ali alluded to the importance of strong leadership, its link to healing Guyana, and taking the nation into a new era of shared prosperity. While he acknowledges the role the Opposition can play in nation-building, Ali said he refuses to focus on negative chatter from that camp and will instead dedicate his energies to the country’s success. The Head-of-State said this is a priority for him, even if it has to be done without the input/support of the APNU+AFC faction.

The President said, “I am of the firm belief that the concept of One Guyana which goes beyond the narrow confines of a unified front, and speaks directly to the prosperity of every Guyanese is not only necessary but imperative for a Guyana that is sustainable, strong and resilient. The Opposition like every other group has a choice to embrace this aspiration or to continue in its selfish desire not to advance this cause. Notwithstanding this, my personal commitment and that of the government to achieving a One Guyana will not be held back and I assure all Guyanese that the fruit of this labour will be realised for the benefit of all.”

The Head-of-State added, “Knowing the Opposition elements that are pushing the message (of an apartheid state), I don’t feel disappointed in what they are doing because they are staying true to their desire to divide us as a people. They cannot substantiate anything they are saying with facts. Look at the public service, the disciplinary forces, the semi-autonomous agencies, the Cabinet, look at our housing programme, our land distribution, take a walk on the highway, look at our food investment programme that includes young people, it reflects ‘One Guyana’. But this group would never ever embrace these facts. They would rather pursue a narrative and an agenda that suits their selfish, narrow, backward and illogical claim…”

Ali was keen to remind that his government removed taxes that were laid on the backs of every Guyanese from 2015 to 2020, removed Value Added Tax on electricity and water, restored school uniform grants as well as the children’s transportation grant, and ensured that more than 2000 Amerindians were given jobs.

Ali said therefore, “This is the government that restored hope. When (the APNU+AFC) government had increased taxes, where were these elements? They were part of the system that brought hardship on this country but I rather not reflect on those hard days and rather project on the bright future that is ahead of us. I rather not concentrate my energy on negative forces. I will pursue the desire for every Guyanese to live in a country that will deliver prosperity for all.”

In a separate interview, Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton said he agrees that there needs to be initiatives geared towards social cohesion in Guyana but based on his observations, he does not get the impression that Ali’s movement is sincere.

Asked for his reasons, he said, “If it were, it would be matched in actions in the allocation of goods and resources such as the allocation of land. When they (the PPP/C) were in opposition, they had said anyone who got land after the No-Confidence Motion was passed, they would take it back if they got into office. But when they did, the only people they made pay more for properties and in certain cases repossessed lands, was members from the Afro-Guyanese community. The second thing is that the evidence suggests in dealing with the flood and COVID-19 grants, it was aimed to the PPP support base and in many cases, our support base was excluded…”

Further to this, Norton said the approach to ‘One Guyana’ needs to be more clearly defined as to what is really meant by it, while adding that it has to see thorough engagement with the people.

“If we are going to deal with ethnic unity, we have to engage the people on the ground. You will never get ethnic unity or ‘One Guyana’ from the top down. It has to be from the bottom up, in which you educate the people and they are convinced we are better off together rather than fighting each other. It will need to involve the political forces inclusive of the opposition and more than that, it has to manifest itself in resource allocation because you can have good intentions but if that aspect is missing then you are in trouble,” expressed the Opposition Leader.

He articulated that Ali has to address closing the gap between the rich and the poor as well as uprooting systems that encourage corruption and classism if his One Guyana initiative is to be taken seriously.

In closing, Norton said he agrees ‘One Guyana’ is possible but opined that a different approach needs to be taken for widespread success.

To be continued …

 

 

 

 

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